Cuanza-norte: The provincial director of Public Health in Cuanza-Norte, M³ises Museveni, reported on Wednesday that at least 18 cases of leprosy were registered in the province in 2025, one more than in 2024. The head of Public Health noted that these cases emerged more than ten years after the last notifications, at a time when the province was already preparing to declare the eradication of the disease.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the Epidemiological Surveillance teams in the province are working to determine the causes of the resurgence of the disease. M³ises Museveni mentioned that there are reports indicating that the new patients already had a family history of the disease, more than ten years ago.

Moises Museveni indicated that cases were reported in the municipalities of Cªrca, Golungo Alto, and Cazengo, noting that there had already been a leprosy outbreak in the latter. He emphasized the importance of patients complying with treatment to prevent the spread of the disease. The Public Health specialist advised the population to seek health services if they notice any skin lesions, assuring that the province has the medical and pharmaceutical resources to care for current and new patients.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It is considered a Neglected Tropical Disease that can be transmitted through contact with droplets and direct contact with sick people. The infection usually does not manifest symptoms during the first 5 to 20 years, and granulomas generally develop in the nerves, respiratory tract, skin, and eyes. This can result in a decreased ability to feel pain, which in turn can lead to the loss of parts of the extremities due to successive injuries or infections that go unnoticed by the carrier. Symptoms may also include decreased vision and weakness.